2014 Louisiana Yam Recipe Contest Winners

2014 Louisiana Yam Recipe Contest Winners

Since 2005, Louisiana Cookin’ and the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission have hosted a Louisiana yam recipe contest to highlight the many ways folks can prepare this delicious root vegetable. Over the years, we’ve seen thousands of entries from around the United States ranging from simple baked sweet potatoes and home-style casseroles to elegant chef-inspired creations.

It’s the versatility of the sweet potato that makes it such an exciting ingredient. It pairs well with not only sweet flavors—cane syrup, marshmallow, and brown sugar—but can take the heat of East Asian cuisines.

This year’s crop of winning recipes covers a wide range of flavor profiles and preparations. The Grand Prize-winning dish, B.L.T. Sweet Potato Hash from Peter Crouth in Plantsville, Connecticut, combines sweet and savory elements to make it an unbeatable addition to your next brunch.

Instead of organizing the contest by dish, as had been customary, this year we wanted to see what folks could do with the different varieties of Louisiana sweet potatoes: fresh, canned, and frozen. At the judging ceremony, hosted by the Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge, the judges were particularly impressed by entries like the Piquant Sweet Potato Quiche by Karen McGowan, of Houston, Texas. She repurposed frozen sweet potato fries into a sweet, crispy crust.

Look for the announcement of the 11th annual Louisiana Yam Recipe Contest in the January/February issue of Louisiana Cookin’. Submit some of your favorite sweet potato recipes, and you might find yours in these pages next year.

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One Comment

Mandeville High in 1966 had a yam contest for home economist students which I took first place in st Tammany parish. I participated in state in Baton Rouge for state finals. My recipe was a jam cake sort of like a upside down cake, but I used oranges and juice with shredded jams in the cake batter. Over the near fifty years ago I do not have my recipe. If anyone should have one and would like to share I would love to have one.

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Louisiana Cookin' is the only national magazine for the connoisseur of Louisiana's unique culture, cuisine, and travel destinations. Published six times a year, each issue contains more than 50 authentic recipes, with tips from professional chefs and home cooks alike. So subscribe to the magazine to enjoy the full spectrum of columns, features, event spotlights, and tips and techniques.